Photo: Antep_1250575.jpg: Nevit Dilmen (talk) derivative work: Durova (talk) (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 7 places to visit in the Şahinbey district of Gaziantep: Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Historic Gümrük Han and Gaziantep Defence and Heroism Panorama Museum. Plan your trip to Şahinbey with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Şahinbey is a district of Gaziantep province and, according to 2023 population data, the largest district in Gaziantep and the second largest in Türkiye after Esenyurt. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is registered as a resident of this district.
The district takes its name from Commander Şahin Bey, who was appointed to the Kilis Road Kuvâ-yi Milliye Command during the defence of Antep.
The history of the Şahinbey region goes back to around 4000 BC. Around 1800 BC the area came under Hittite rule, and later passed under Assyrian, Persian, Macedonian and Seleucid rule. In 1516, when Yavuz Sultan Selim ended the Mamluk State, the Gaziantep region was added to Ottoman lands. After Gaziantep became a metropolitan municipality in 1987, Şahinbey was made a district.
Within the district lie the Sof Mountains, with an average height of 1,496 metres. Şahinbey has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.
The district’s economy is based on industry; there are many small workshops, especially in food, weaving and cleaning materials.
Şahinbey is the district where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is registered as a resident. After Yavuz Sultan Selim ended the Mamluk State, the Gaziantep region was added to Ottoman lands in 1516. The district’s name was given in memory of Şahin Bey, who came to the fore during the Defence of Antep.
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Photo: Antep_1250575.jpg: Nevit Dilmen (talk) derivative work: Durova (talk) (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Opened in 2011, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, with an area of 30,000 square metres, is the largest mosaic museum in the world. It displays unique Roman-period mosaics, most notably the world-famous 'Çingene Kız' (Gypsy Girl) mosaic.
View on mapA caravanserai built in the Ottoman period in the 16th century, it was one of the important stops on the Silk Road trade. Restored and opened in 2012, the han serves as a living museum with traditional handicraft exhibitions and cafés.
View on mapA museum that uses panoramic techniques to tell the story of Gaziantep's resistance to the French occupation during the War of Independence, offering a 360-degree visual experience. It recreates the heroism of Şahin Bey and the story of the city receiving the title 'Gazi'.
View on mapOpened after Gaziantep cuisine was included in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, the museum presents the history and preparation processes of local dishes. Traditional kitchen utensils and recipes are presented to visitors.
View on mapA toy museum located in a historic Antep house in Bey neighbourhood.
View on mapA foundation museum established in the historic building built as a Mevlevi lodge, in Suyabatmaz.
View on mapA historic two-section han in Şekeroğlu, thought to have been built at the end of the 19th century.
View on mapWhile you are in Şahinbey, you can also see the highlights of Gaziantep province. These places are in other districts.
Baklava baked with pistachios spread between 40 layers of thin dough and sweetened with syrup, is Gaziantep's world-famous delicacy. Historic baklava makers in Şahinbey continue this tradition from generation to generation.
Küşleme, prepared by cooking a whole lamb in a clay tandır oven for 4-5 hours, is one of Gaziantep's most prestigious dishes. It is served at special occasions and holidays.
Gaziantep lahmacun, baked in stone ovens in Şahinbey's traditional bakeries, is known across the country for its thin dough and generous toppings.
A traditional drink made from the fruit of the menengiç (terebinth) tree, served mixed with milk. Caffeine-free menengiç coffee is one of Gaziantep's original beverages.
The district takes its name from Şahin Bey, who was martyred in 1920 while fighting against the French occupation during the War of Independence. Şahin Bey is one of the symbolic figures of the defence of Gaziantep.
In 2015 Gaziantep was included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy. The historic restaurants, baklava makers and kebab chefs of Şahinbey are the living representatives of this title.
Şahinbey is the most populous district of Gaziantep and the centre of its industry, trade and service sectors. Textiles, food processing, machinery and chemicals are the main sectors. Hasan Kalyoncu and Zirve universities contribute to the education sector. Gastronomy tourism is an important source of income.
Şahinbey is the southern central district of Gaziantep. Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport is 20 km away. Public transport within the city, with tram and bus lines, provides access. Air connections to Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities are available.
The 7 highlights in Şahinbey are: Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Historic Gümrük Han, Gaziantep Defence and Heroism Panorama Museum, Gaziantep Culinary Arts Centre (Emine Göğüş Kitchen Museum), Gaziantep Games and Toys Museum, Gaziantep Mevlevi Lodge Foundation Museum and Büdeyri Han.
Gaziantep Baklavası, Küşleme (Kuzu Tandır), Lahmacun and Menengiç Kahvesi are the standout dishes on Şahinbey's tables.
Şahinbey is known for Antep Pistachio and Şahin Bey's Heroism. Antep pistachio, Gaziantep's geographical indication product, is sold roasted, salted or raw from processing facilities in Şahinbey.
Şahinbey is the southern central district of Gaziantep. Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport is 20 km away. Public transport within the city, with tram and bus lines, provides access. Air connections to Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities are available.
Suggested visit length: 2-3 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (April-May, September-November).